This thesis examines the 'wine-drinking' images found in the paintings of the Joseon period. The 'wine-drinking' image carries not only visual and cultural elements but also important characteristics related to the theme and subject matter of the pain...
This thesis examines the 'wine-drinking' images found in the paintings of the Joseon period. The 'wine-drinking' image carries not only visual and cultural elements but also important characteristics related to the theme and subject matter of the painting. Yet not much research has been conducted over this topic. At present, much has been studied over Joseon painting style, and about the painter and his works. Thus, the time has come for a new style of analysis that transcends painting styles and genres, in order to form a more introspective and indepth analysis. This thesis approaches a new level of study focusing on the microscopic analysis in the context of cultural and visual background.
During the Joseon period, 'wine' was regarded as 'something to eat' and as an important element in governing the country. It is interesting to note that the perception of wine and drinking-wine among the Joseon people was accepted in the arts, appearing in paintings. Thus the thesis studied the representative images that recreated the narrative of wine-drinking; the image of 'polite drinking' in the documentary paintings of the elder officials, the image of 'drinking wine from overflowing cup' and the image of 'gallant wine-drinking' from paintings of the ancient classics, the image of 'wine-drinking whilst admiring nature' from the 'Ahoi-do paintings', and the image of 'drinking warm wine' and 'wine-drinking in labor' from genre paintings.
The main focus in documentary paintings and genre paintings was placed in the significance of the location of the 'wine-drinking' motif and its meaning within the painting. In the ancient classics, focus was placed in the social function and the significance of the iconography and why the image continued on. Historical inquiry through the literary records provided the social meaning of the visual image and the periodical context. The image of 'polite drinking' in the documentary paintings of the elder officials presented the ritualistic procedures involved in the wine-drinking hierarchy. In a country where Confucianism was upheld as the main ideology, the polite procedures in wine-drinking were regarded with consequence, and the documentary paintings of the elder officials display the details of the ceremonious event. The documentary paintings of the elder officials, produced in 16th-18th centuries, enabled us to understand the standardization of the polite manners of drinking-wine and the established wine-drinking itinerary set.
The images of 'drinking wine from an overflowing cup' and 'gallant wine-drinking' from the ancient classics examined the classical figures from painting and calligraphy such as Wang Xizhi(307-365) and Li Bai(701-762) who were great wine lovers, and reviewed how wine-drinking was closely related to the idealistic literati tastes. The story of Wang Xizhi stereotyped the Confucian artistic spirit which found moderate happiness from consuming wine, whereas the story of Li Bai typified the creative artist who pursued freedom and independence of the mind by drinking wine.
The practice of repeating Wang Xizhi's story and the paintings created in imitation of his action served as a profound symbol of the philosophical revival in the Joseon period. In addition, in the late Joseon period, the detailed account of the life and times of Li Bai became an independent motif. The production of such works appears to be related to King Jeongjo's(reigned, 1776-1800) view of enlightening the world through poetry. The wine-drinking image of the Ahoi-do paintings display how Joseon literati regarded wine-drinking as one of the primary virtues alongside playing the musical instrument, Geomun-go, playing the game of go, composing poetry, and enjoying beautiful landscape. Among paintings that depict 'wine-drinking whilst admiring nature', Gang Sehwang's(1713-1791) painting, in particular, reflects the late Joseon literati scholar's enjoyment. The inscription on the paintings reveals that drinking the 'wine that erases all worries' helped the literati to concentrate on their enjoyment of the nature. Moreover, flowers and the moon and white snow were regarded to carry the 'beauty of the heaven and earth during the four seasons' and thus appropriate friend to wine-drinking. Paintings of wine-drinking with flowers, the moon, and white snow express such view.
Genre paintings that depicted the image of 'warm wine drinking' and 'wine-drinking in labor' enable us to understand that wine houses were allowed for the convenience of merchants and to stimulate commerce. In addition, it appears that farmers were permitted to drink wine during rest. The local tavern or 'Jumak' that appeared in genre paintings display the well established tradition of wine drinking among merchants and travellers. Moreover, paintings of farmer's wives bringing food to the farmers along the levee of the rice paddy were not simple depiction but the emphasis of preparation for the yearly good harvest. Thus the images of 'wine-drinking taverns' and 'women bringing food along the levee of the rice paddy' painted by Jeong Seon(1676-1759), Gim Duryang(1696-1763), Gim Deokha(1722-1772), Yi Insang(1710-1760), Gim Hongdo(1745-1806), Gim Duksin(1754-1822), and Sin Yunbok(1758?-after1813), all presented real livlihood of the people.
The wine-drinking image of the Joseon paintings appear to represent the general understanding and expression of wine and wine-drinking among the upper class literati and the king.
The image of 'polite wine-drinking' from the documentary paintings was an expression of enlightening and ethical dimension of art favored by Confucianism, while the images of wine-drinking from the ancient classics were an expression of elegant and moderate art of Confucian culture. On the other hand, the 'wine-drinking' image from genre paintings expressed the humanism embraced by Confucianism which was the main governing ideology of Joseon. Thus wine became a way of presenting an idealized world. The 'wine-drinking' image expressed the mind of the period, containing a variety of information and meaning beyond its appearance.
The study of the 'wine-drinking' image attempts to translate the paintings and its context in a new perspective. The significance of the study lays the foundation for a more in-depth analysis that transcends the mere examination of the outward characteristic of the painting.